Never Satisfied

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." -Philippians 4:11

Sarah was an intelligent and loving middle-aged mother of three adult children. Richard, her husband of twenty-nine years, was a devoted husband and father who worked hard to climb the corporate ladder so he could provide for his precious family.

Sarah was never interested in working outside the home. Her raising of three little ones always kept her busy, and then there was her baking skills which allowed her to run her own little home business, catering to small parties and gatherings. The money they jointly earned was not enough for them to be regarded as wealthy, but they were comfortable within their average income bracket.

Or so they always thought.

For the last few years, Sarah had been thinking a lot about how nice it would be to have all their bills paid off. Her motive, which began innocently, was simply to take some of the financial burden off her husband's shoulders. However, what began as a loving thought slowly began growing in to thoughts of how great it would be to own a yacht, fully-loaded RV, have an in-ground pool, and the rest of their yard professionally landscaped. Sarah would also page through magazines, and dream about how much nicer the house would look if they bought better quality furniture, and did this or that renovation.

"All I need is more money," whispered Sarah quietly to herself.

Sarah scratched her head and began thinking about how she could obtain more money without putting any further pressure on Richard.

"I've got it!" she said as she stared at their dog, Barney. "I'll start playing the lottery!"

Before long, Sarah's simple buying of one lottery ticket went to her spending $30.00 a week, for in her mind, she was sure this would greatly increase her chances of winning the big one. When that didn't happen, Sarah began going to the casino on the other side of town. Sure, she won some small pots, but with the hope of winning something even larger, the small winnings were simply put back into her habit, and each time Sarah would leave the casino with an empty wallet.

More and more, Sarah was finding herself depressed, which she tried hard to hide from Richard and the children. Not only did she feel like her dreams might never come true, but now she was also frustrated over all the money she had needlessly lost.

One day, just as tears began to flow, Richard's car pulled into the drive, and Sarah quickly rushed about to dry her tears and compose herself. Shortly after, as the family sat around at the dinner table, Richard replied, "Honey, I'd like to make a special blessing." Sarah and the three children bowed their heads and listened.

"Dear God," began Richard, "I was just thinking today about how good you have been to us! I have been getting so caught up in my job that I think I forgot to slow down and not only stop and smell the roses, but see the roses as well! I am so rich, God, and I have been too blind to see and appreciate how wealthy I truly am! We may not have fancy furnishings, or live in a mansion, and we may never be able to afford diamonds and furs, but of what I truly need, I have it all! I thank you, God, for the roof over our heads, the clothes on our backs, and the food on our table. But most of all, I thank you for the most precious gifts in my life, my wonderful wife and children, and Your divine presence! I thank you for this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."

With that, Sarah began to sob uncontrollably. It was like a burden had been lifted from her shoulders, and a veil removed from her eyes. How foolish she now felt for not being content with all that she had.

Real Life Application: Our Heavenly Father understands our desire to better our life. There is no wrong in having goals and dreams. However, there is a difference between need and greed.

A philosophy of "More! More! More!" is an unhealthy one because it is satan, not God, who wants to rob us of our joy, peace and contentment. ("Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -I Peter 5:8) ("The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -John 10:10)

If we are always wanting more, then we will never be satisfied.

Today, I urge you to ask God for something. Not furs or gems, fancy cars or designer outfits, but rather, for something far more precious: a relationship with Him.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com